Warriors vs Sharks

Sharks and Warriors Go Head-to-Head in a Pre-Season Clash of Titans!

Get ready for the ultimate showdown as the NZ Warriors take on the Cronulla Sharks! Who will come out on top in this thrilling pre-season trial?

As the first match of the 2025 NRL season kicks off, all eyes are on Shark Park tonight where the NZ Warriors and Cronulla Sharks battle it out in a pre-season clash that's generating buzz across the rugby league landscape. Fans are brimming with excitement as this match marks the highly anticipated return of footy, promising action, drama, and a few cheeky banter moments! With kick-off set for 9:30 pm, rugby aficionados are already buzzing with predictions and lineup discussions.

The Warriors enter this contest sporting fresh faces and a wave of energy. Head coach Andrew Webster has geared up for this pre-season trial, keen to fine-tune strategies for the upcoming season. One of the highlights to watch for is the debut of young star Nathan Cleary, who’s pestering for a place in the Warriors' starting lineup. Exciting stuff, or will he face a formidable wall built by the Sharks? Time will tell as he attempts to tackle the fierce defense that the Sharks are known for, creating an electrifying atmosphere this evening.

Unfortunately for the Warriors, they faced an early setback with a double injury blow to key players Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and Mitch Barnett, both struggling with issues just minutes into the match. We all know how that goes, right? It’s just like forgetting your sunscreen on a sunny day, a recipe for disaster! Thankfully, both teams will be looking to bond over the shared struggle— after all, teamwork makes the dream work!

As the match progresses, live updates and reactions will be flowing through RNZ Sport, capturing every tackle, sprint, and try scored. Can the Sharks maintain their momentum while the Warriors flaunt their underdog spirit? Fans can expect nail-biting action as they join together in cheering for their teams, while secretly keeping hopes up for a few legendary highlights to discuss at the water cooler.

In trivia terms, did you know the Sharks were founded all the way back in 1967? They have a rich history in the league, but the Warriors are ready to put their mark on tonight's game after last season's efforts. Meanwhile, both teams will be looking to work off those summer barbecue kilos tonight, proving that anything can happen when footy returns!